What does "the Spirit lifted me up" reveal about God's guidance in Ezekiel? Setting the Scene Ezekiel ministers in exile, surrounded by despairing people who wonder whether the Lord still sees them. Again and again the prophet writes, “the Spirit lifted me up,” a phrase that punctuates his visions (Ezekiel 3:12–14; 8:3; 11:1, 24; 43:5). Each occurrence shows that God does not abandon His servants to figure things out alone; He actively directs and empowers them. Key Verse Under the Microscope Ezekiel 3:14: “So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.” • “the Spirit lifted me up” – Divine initiative; Ezekiel is not self-propelled. • “took me away” – Clear movement from where he is to where God wants him. • “bitterness…heat of my spirit” – Honest human emotion doesn’t cancel the call. • “the hand of the LORD was strong” – God’s enabling presence undergirds the journey. What “the Spirit lifted me up” Shows About God’s Guidance • Supernatural, not merely psychological – Guidance is an act of the Holy Spirit, not inner intuition alone. • Directional – God gives Ezekiel precise spatial and prophetic assignments; guidance is specific, not vague. • Timely – Each “lifting” coincides with a fresh revelation God is ready to share. • Empowering – The prophet moves under power not his own, illustrating Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” • Persistent – Even when Ezekiel is reluctant or distressed (3:14), God’s purpose prevails. How This Guidance Unfolds in Ezekiel • 3:12–14 – Spirit lifts Ezekiel to Tel-Abib to confront exiles, proving God sees His scattered people. • 8:3 – Spirit transports him to Jerusalem’s temple to expose hidden idolatry; divine guidance reveals what eyes cannot. • 11:1 & 24 – Spirit positions him at the eastern gate, then returns him to Chaldea; guidance both initiates mission and brings the servant back. • 43:5 – Spirit carries him into the inner court to witness God’s glory re-entering the temple; guidance culminates in hope and restoration. Practical Takeaways for Today • Expect Spirit-initiated movement – Romans 8:14: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” • Obedience may feel costly, yet the Lord’s hand is strong upon those He sends. • Guidance often exposes sin (ch. 8) before declaring hope (ch. 43); embrace both aspects. • The same Spirit who lifted Ezekiel now indwells believers (John 16:13), ensuring God’s personal, powerful direction in every generation. |
    |